End of the year list making is my favorite. It lets me reflect on the year and make some new goals for the future. Here are the 6 books I reread this year because I liked them so much the first time.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck shows how a mastery of spare prose can elicit strong emotions. First printed in 1937 and only 107 pages so it’s a quick way to add a classic to your reading.
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the 20th Century by Timothy Snyder, narrated by Nora Krug. It’s a thought provoking, visually appealing book about the dangers the US faces from authoritarianism. I only wish more people had read it before the election. 128 pages.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is a historical thriller for book lovers. In 1945 Spain a boy is taken to the Cemetery for Lost Books and his life changed forever. “Books are mirrors- you only see in them what you already have inside you.” 487 pages
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Nonfiction. Corrie’s family used a secret room to hide Jews when the Nazis invaded Holland. She and her sister were in their 50s, their father in his 80s when they were discovered and sent to a concentration camp. The one thing that sustained her was her faith in God. A master class about forgiveness and loving your enemies. 269 pages.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende was my first introduction to magical realism. Set in Chile this story focused on the women around the monster Estaban . There was a focus in the last section on 1970s Chile when the ‘right’ overthrew the socialists by a coup, only to empower a dictator who ended democracy for the country. Hm. First published in 1982. 433 Pages.
Mariana by Susanna Kearsley is another magical realism book, but this one is has dual storylines. History, romance, danger, and the England setting make this a keeper. 364 pages
Which ones have you read?
Stacy's Books 
I was surprised to see that I’ve re-read seven books this year! I try to re-read a few, but my newer books always seem to win me over. Not sure what happened this year that I was so successful.
Of yours, I’ve read Of Mice and Men and The Hiding Place. I think I’ve read the Steinbeck book at least three times over my lifetime. I remember The Hiding Place being very good when I read it many years ago.
I think I’ve read Of Mice and Mean at least 3 times. The Hiding Place is good, but I still need a little more clarification on the actual authors of the book. I have questions, but haven’t taken the time. New books are so enticing!
Stacy, I am definitely a ‘re-reader’. Especially with mystery series. I reread all the JD Robb books – well, I guess one of them was an initial read – but there are 59 of them! Enjoyed it a lot. Of the ones you listed, the only one I think I’ve read is The Hiding Place. Many years ago. By the way, hope you guys are doing well and will have a very Merry Christmas!
Kay, that is a big reread commitment!!! I haven’t tackled anything like that, but I most definitely am trying to make myself slow down and read what I already love. Merry Christmas to you too 🙂